In the first 6 months of 2019, we’ve been examining ways to reduce our waste and become more plastic free. Here are some of the things we’ve been working on:
January - Trash Audit
We separated and looked our trash to see what we are throwing away and what we can reduce.
February - Declutter Everything
We went thru what we have to declutter and reduce.
March - Switch to Paper
This month we moved to paper to get one step closer to reusables.
April - Compost
Composting is an easy way to reduce food waste and prevent it from reaching the landfill.
May - Meatless Monday
June - No Bottled Water.
All this has been leading up to now, when we can participate in Plastic Free July.
“Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? Plastic Free July provides resources and ideas to help you (and millions of others around the world) reduce single-use plastic waste everyday at home, work, school, and even at your local café. Our movement has inspired over 120 million participants in 177 countries. You making a small change will collectively make a massive difference to our communities. You can choose to refuse single-use plastics in July (and beyond!). Best of all, being part of Plastic Free July will help you to find great alternatives that can become new habits forever.”
When I tell people I’m trying to become more zero waste and plastic free, they almost always ask, “so you have no plastic in your house??” or “but your glasses are plastic!” or some other pre formed concept that jumps into their head. Going plastic free is a gradual step and one that takes time. I have greatly reduced the amount of plastic in my home and daily life, but that stuff is everywhere!
Now, I’m not talking about my glasses, or the casing to my record player, or plastic used in hospital equipment, or cars, when I talk about going plastic free. Plastic is a miraculous and useful tool that’s helpful in many locations and situations.
But we have taken disposable plastic too far. We have put our own convenience over the safety and wellbeing of the planet, wildlife, and ultimately ourselves. The Plastic Free July challenge asks you to examine where you fit into this.
Plastic Free July is a great was to be more conscious of the plastic we consume and how we use it. Whether you give up all single use plastic, one type of single use plastic (perhaps the one you use the most?), or jus as a reminder to examine what plastic you do use (did someone say garbage audit??).
If you’re continuing on your plastic free and zero waste journey, participating in PFJ is a great step. How will you celebrate this year? What action will you take?
